The Secret Language of Animals

Unlock the secrets behind the behavior of the world’s most fascinating creatures – from the Adelie penguin to the plains zebra to the giant panda – in this wonderfully written, beautifully illustrated book.

In The Secret Language of Animals, biologist Janine Benyus takes us inside the animal kingdom and shows us the whys and the hows behind the distinctive behavior of creatures great and small in their natural environments.

The book is illustrated throughout with tender yet precise line drawings that beckon us to the animals and vividly capture everything from changing facial expressions to nurturing postures to playful and aggressive interactions. The text, too, is both intimate and informative, allowing for a deep connection with, and a great admiration for, each of the animals.

Janine Benyus is a biologist, innovation consultant, and author of six books, including Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. She is the founder of the Biomimicry 3.8 Institute, whose mission is to nurture and grow a global community of people who are learning from, emulating, and conserving life’s genius to create a healthier, more sustainable planet. Clients and partners in this endeavor include General Electric, Nike, Boeing, and Proctor & Gamble. Benyus has received several awards, including Time magazine’s Heroes of the Environment award and the Rachel Carson Environmental Ethics Award. She lives in Missoula, Montana.

Juan Carlos Barberis was the staff artist and illustrator for the Museum of Natural History in New York City for 20 years.